• Daniel C Schroeder, Simon-Richard Finke, Tobias Grübl, Christoph W Jänig, and Bernd W Böttiger.
• Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne.
• Curr Opin Crit Care. 2023 Dec 1; 29 (6): 616620616-620.

Purpose Of ReviewRecognition of cardiac arrest and initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be learned and adequately replicated by schoolchildren. Regular instruction of schoolchildren in CPR is therefore a core element to increase low bystander CPR rates. Thereby, schoolchildren CPR training evolved as own scientific field within the last decade. Aim was to describe current evidence in terms of epidemiology, teaching approaches and political aspects.Recent FindingsSchoolchildren demonstrate a high motivation to be trained in CPR. Teaching approaches that combine theoretical and practical learning sessions guarantee a sustainable learning effect. Schoolchildren can adequately perform chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth ventilation from the age of 12 years. Use of digital media is a highly promising teaching approach. CPR training conducted by teachers from the own school is effective and guarantees continuous development of CPR skills. Integration of schoolchildren CPR training into school curricula is the foundation for a sustainable increase of lay resuscitation rates in the population. Scientific and political promotion of schoolchildren CPR training is needed to sensitize the population and move bystander CPR in the social focus.SummaryWhile bystander CPR rates are low in Europe comprehensive establishment of schoolchildren CPR training may sustainably increase survival after cardiac arrest.Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

20 keywords...

hide…